Five arrested, two wanted in drug bust by Sheriff’s office

A long term narcotics operation by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office ended with five people arrested and two more facing charges.

“Operation Magnolia” began in December of 2013 when authorities were tipped off by residents about a possible drug operation going on Gold and Douglas streets in Lawndale. It ended on Friday with the arrest of five people from Lawndale and warrants issued on two more.

“This was a lengthy covert operation,” said Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman. “We had numerous complaints in a quarter block area.”

The “open air drug market,” as Norman called it, solicited those walking by if they wanted drugs and then directed them to individuals that had stationed themselves underneath a Magnolia tree at 105 Gold St.

The drug sold was crack cocaine.

The sheriff’s office had several undercover deputies purchase cocaine from a nearby house. Seven people were identified as sellers in the case.

Jordy Marquette Ussery, Lerey Janyne Dortch, Charlotte Lattimore Ussery, Patrina Bell Lattimore and Alice Thurman Clark were arrested Friday morning. The five face various charges including; nine counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, nine counts of the sale or delivery of cocaine and several counts of possession.

Two suspects are still at large, Haneef Jamar Dyches and Joshua Clark.

“These two suspects are still in the greater Cleveland County area,” Norman said. “We will go to any means to arrest them.”

Law enforcement also served two search warrants on homes in the area, seizing 400 crack cocaine rocks along with marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. Street value on the drugs is estimated to be more than $8,000.

No court date has been set yet for the five in custody.

“It was a lengthy process to make a winnable case for the district attorney’s office,” Norman said.